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The Human Condition

I find myself infatuated with the human condition and at the same time, even more so depressed by it. Each and every time I turn on the news there is a large fractional difference between those who do for others and those who hurt others and let me tell you the scales tip in favor of the later. How many more shootings, bombings, kidnappings, lies, cheating in a day can the human race endure?  When you can turn on the news and the fact that the reporter has just announced that there has been yet another shooting or a child with a bomb strapped to them for religious purposes, is the norm THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG.

I went to a book signing a few days ago. The author's name is Barry Eisler.  Very likable guy and an excellent author.  We got into the ever present subject of politics (as his books are about an assassin by the name of Rain, and as such, the character deals with political situations).  One of the main topics was the blatant lies used by the governing officers in our political cluster used to cover up simple things. Another was why would anyone follow George W. Bush after some of the things that he and his cabinet have done.  There was even the question of why people are either on one side or the other of the line, black or white, love or hate, no in between when it came to voting and sticking with a presidential candidate no matter the consequences.

These brought several thoughts running through my head. For the first:

The question was stated, "Why did do governing officers of any Presidential cabinet or Government office put up smoke screens rather that tell the truth. Why come up with a pretty story?"  There were no riffs in the room, no one was abashed by the statements or offended that politics were on the board. As a matter of fact it was the most "adult" atmosphere I have ever been in while politics are being brought up (no one yelled or anything). I think part of the answer to the questions such as these and the other cover up stories through out history and all of the unspoken questions out there is that if you are in the public eye, the slightest slip up will "kill" your career. There is no real way to tell what is covered up at all times. Who can you trust? The truth of the matter is that if they (meaning Government) are covering something up, there may be a way to tell that they are lieing but in all honesty if someone that high up wants something kept quiet, it will stay quiet. You may see the smoke screen, but what really happened may never truly surface. I must agree with Barry when he said that no matter the situation, most people would much rather appreciate the truth.

On the second:

Why would anyone follow Bush after the things he and his cabinet have done? Let's broaden the question, why would anyone follow most of our Presidents with the things the have done. In Bush's case many people follow him simply because they wonder what they would have done if it were them in office when 9/11 happened? He was face with a very tough situation and responded by trying to end terrorism, a noble cause no matter how you look at it. Though many people don't agree with how, what would you do? Smoke a peace pipe with the guy who has a bomb strapped to his chest as he blows you up because his religion says to kill all people who don't share the same beliefs as you? Would that help? I don't think so. Now I'm not saying I agree with everything Bush has ever done. Trust me the man has made a joke of himself with his public speaking abilities, and no I don't like that our boys are still over there. I am haunted by the images of our fellow countrymen, our heros out there fighting for us, in return they are sent home in a box with an "I'm sorry for your loss letter", but I appreciate what they are doing. But what would you or I do? Is pulling out and hoping that the terrorists got the picture a smart thing to do? Lets look at Clinton, though he may have done a few good things here and there in office...he was a terrible role model. Monica Lewinski...need I say more? Yet there were people who followed him all the same. For that matter, was the war during Clinton's rule somewhat of a smoke screen for his affair? It doesn't matter whether you are a republican, a democrat, a liberal there will never be a perfect person in office. No, I don't think it is a good idea to have a robot running the country (we have all seen the movies on that). I don't believe the creator should be governed by the created.

On that note question 3:

Why are people so definite on whether they are on one side or the other? United we stand, divided we fall people. The truth is that it seems that the civil war, aside form abolishing slavery, didn't teach us too much, we are still picking sides against each other. THIS IS WHAT HAS MADE US AN EASY TARGET. I understand saying that you do or don't believe in abortion, trust me I do. Where has "One Nation Under God" gone? Aside from the eccentric few out to get money because they don't believe they should have to say that phrase. What are we pushing ourselves as a nation into being?

For Now,

Lauri

Hello

Hey there everyone,

Long time no see. I have been busy working on two books and well lets face it I have 3 small kids.  Life is hectic but worth it. I couldn't ask for more, nor could I afford it (tee hee). None the less I am back and looking forward to sharing many more thoughts.

For Now,

Lauri

The Family Flu

What a week! I don't mean that in a good way either. My 4 year old is on day 9 of a really cruddy flu,  my 2 year old is on day 8, I am on day 7 and the baby girl is on day 3. I'm told it shouldn't last much longer, but then again, I have also had three different diagnoses. 1) a flu that the flu shot doesn't cover or RSV 2) a couple different things at once or 3) a really bad cold. I am waiting to be told that it is really Kennel Cough or something like that ha, ha. Oh well. I makes life different. At least we had a blast until we got sick. We saw a movie, went to the zoo, went sledding, and went to the aquarium (sounds good to me). Not to mention that I wrote three chapters in a book I am working on!

For Now,

Lauri

Myspace.com

Well hello,

I have been typing my little fingers off starting up three new posting sites and I have finally gotten together with the times and gotten a myspace. Apparently I am one of the last people on earth or at least in my family to get one. My mom even had one before me! But, all the same, I finally have one. My fingers are exhausted :) 

Just in case you are curious as to what we have been up to on the world wide web here are the URLs. http://www.myspace.com/bean21782 which is obviously our myspace. http://dlkent51802.typepad.com/dd_music_productions/ , Dwayne's music production site, he is reviewing music software, producing and recording equipment, articles in the top music mags, books and comparing to his own experience. http://dlkent51802.typepad.com/toddler_talk/, my baby/toddler review site. This site is perfect if you want to know what's available to the little ones in your life.  You can see what toys, books, movies, and shows how my kids react to, and whether or not I approve of them as a parent. http://dlkent51802.typepad.com/cashin_in_on_realestate_c/ which is our site for our real estate contract investment site, with helpful tips on helping you sell your home and alternative methods of getting it done. And I'm not even finished yet. still to come: a photography blog promoting our photography and selling New Mexican photos, calenders, stickers, and cards. And last but not least, a Harry Potter blog that will cover everything Harry until the movie and book come out in theaters. Who knows I may enjoy that blog enough to keep it up even longer.

For Now,

Lauri

Check out our other blog

We have a new blog called Toddler Talk here is the web address http://dlkent51802.typepad.com/toddler_talk/.  It is a review of everything baby and toddler, written with the help of my little testers. Let me know what you think.

Lauri

hi again!

Long time no type! I hope your Christmas was great!  Aside from a few kids with stomach problems as I am sure many of you have. We had a great time on Christmas (the only day we had sick free).  We even had a partially white Christmas. Santa brought many, many things that we must now find room for along with a charity to share some of our other stuff.

As for now I must admit that I mourned the taking down of the tree (it had dried out long before it should have (remind me never to go to Walmart for a tree again, or at least not a new Walmart where they are not organized). none-the-less it will be missed. The Christmas season is my absolute favorite as it should be (and yes I will call it Christ-mas because he is what the day is all about. It may sound crazy but it is the one time of year I love more than any, I love buying and giving gifts for everyone (if only I had that endless money supply to accomplish this goal in the most satisfying way, although I must admit I do like making gifts too) . I love decorating every nook and cranny of my house.  I love the cordial mood family and friends have to offer, and most of all I love the childish joy that floats up to the surface in even the grouchiest of people. 

For Now,

Lauri

Pirates to Daisy Duke: This Halloween

Hello I guess it's time to post Halloween pictures. This year Keith and Zander were Pirates, Dwayne was Larry the Cable Guy, I was Daisy Duke (Why, because it was easy to put together)and last but not least miss Veah was and angel. The only costume I did any sewing on this year was Keiths and Zander's was the only store bought costume.

Dwayne The Cable Guy

Don't get used to this look. I was so self concious and cold!

The lovely ladies in this photo with me are of course Miss Veah, The lady in pink is my mother-in-law Rhonda (She doesn't look her age, eat your heart out boys) and the witch (not in a literal sense, I love my Lainey) is my Sister-in-Law Shelaine.

And last but certainly not least my little angel.

For Now

Lauri

Cowboy Spider

While reading the most important part of every newspaper, The Comic Section (duh). I came across the Ripley's Believe It or Not and found a tidbit about a type of spider called the Bolas Spider. They catch their prey by flinging out a line of their silk with a sticky substance on the end. They lasso their prey, which is why I like to call the the cowboy spider.

For now,

Lauri

Human Skulls For Sale?

That's right, Human Skulls For Sale. I have to admit, I was somewhat grossed out by the article I was reading in the Sunday Journal, but who wouldn't be? The job of cleaning and selling human skeletons ranks up there with working with cadavers for me. It seems somewhat unreal but its true.

The Story is based in Oklahoma City, showing pictures of not only human but animal skulls and skeletons being cleaned by hand and flesh eating beetles (not my cup of tea), just the thought of bugs eating skin is making my skin crawl and I'm not a very squeamish person. The company was founded by Jay Villemarette, who is said to have a fascination with skulls (which is at least science based, or at least thats the direction it went).  After his normal job ended he decided to start his own business out of skulls "Skulls Unlimited". And as many business start, this one was home based, I must pity his wife for this, not the fascination but the process of cleaning the skulls (not to mention the assortment of skulls in her kitchen).

The business has since moved from his kitchen counter to an a building meant for such work. The cleaning rooms scent is described as a mix of a slaughter house and rotting meat. Let's just say that I can guarantee first hand this scent is not one you will see in the form of a scented candle in any sane store...ever. I have smelled something similar once for almost a week, talk about fighting your gag reflex. I was at a horse show in Denver and unfortunately the show grounds were located near a meat processing company. The company, which had closed that particular factory, had not knocked down the building and the smell lingered in the walls. I was told that this building was where they burned the carcasses amongst other things and the rancid smell would waft through the barns and arenas. Needless to say, I have not been able to eat that particular companies products ever since.

Any way back to the story, the sale of human skeletons is a trade used by China, I am not sure how many other countries do this practice nor do I want to know. After the skulls are shipped and cleaned they are available for purchase from around $350.00 and up to $3700.00 for a skeleton. Obviously as you have read cleaning of the skeletons of animals and humans is not for the squeamish, the Jay Villamarette was quoted saying

"I have been waist deep in a dead Hippopotamus, and I'd rather do that than change a diaper." I'm sure mothers (and a few fathers) around the world could beg to differ. You can bet this is not a trade you'll hear about on career day.

For Now,

Lauri

LOST

Dwayne and I have found ourselves addicted to the show LOST since its first episode,  as have millions of other viewers. We rushed home from hastings last night so we wouldn't miss it (retarded I know, renting movies just so that we could end up watching a show). I still can't believe Eko is dead! I thought the point of John saving him was because he had something more significant left to do. What do you think?  And man, what a way to die, what is that gray cloud? Dwayne thinks that it's Death, or at least one of many forms Death takes on to different residents of the Island. I couldn't tell you what I think it is, my brain is fried lately (baby induced sleep deprivation), I still don't get the polar bears. Oh and who is the guy with the eye patch?

For now,

Lauri